Meet Tiffany Charesse

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours? I was raised in the ever-changing lifestyle of a military family – moving from one place to the next throughout the span of my childhood. My father is African American and my mother is German, so the dual nature and cultural influences of my upbringing has shaped my interests in humanity and the arts. I believe that constant travel and exposure to different types of people and lifestyles has played a major role in my love for portraiture and my passion to connect with others through my art.

Please tell us about your art. I focus mainly on portrait and figurative works in which I integrate elements of abstraction or geometric components. I typically work in pastel or color pencil to create soft and smooth blends with layers of rich color. I’m drawn to the details and characteristics that make us each who we are. Our faces, freckles, hair, and hands are all uniquely different – and even with our physical differences, we are all surprisingly very similar. My goal is to capture the spirit of humanity – and the energy that connects us all together. I search for aspects of hope, strength, wit, and wisdom in my subjects so that I can create artwork that’s conscious, motivating and uplifting. I believe that if we can find ourselves within others, we can find the compassion needed to change our collective state of being.

Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier? Advice that I have for other artists is to stay true to yourself and consistent in your work. For many years I tried to create art that I thought would sell instead of art that came from within and this did not work for me. It’s also important to surround yourself with other creatives so that you can stay inspired and fresh in your approaches.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work? I actively participate in exhibitions around Atlanta. Currently I have work on display at the Peters Street Station in Castleberry Hill until the end of April. I also have original art as well as prints for sale on my website. I encourage anyone interested to follow me on social to stay updated on upcoming showings. I’ve got some very exciting things in the works… 😉